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Summer with family and friends

You might be wondering if you are actually allowed to have a barbecue in Croydon’s parks.

So we have found out the answer.

Am I allowed to have a barbecue in Croydon’s parks?

Yes.

In fact we are lucky in Croydon because Croydon Council has confirmed to us that barbecues are allowed in most of our parks.

Residents do not need to ask the council for permission to have a barbecue in a park, but those who do are asked to be respectful of other park users and use their common sense when it comes to fire safety - avoid trees or dry grass and definitely don't use an accelerant.

But there are exceptions.

You could take a barbecue to the park (Image: Paul J. Richards/AFP/Getty Images)

What are the exceptions?

You cannot have a barbecue at:

A local nature reserve (such as South Norwood Country Park)

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs)

Heathland or woodland

Anywhere in or near long grass

What precautions and responsibilities should I take when I do have barbecue in a park?

You should be responsible when you have a barbecue and ensure the barbecue doesn’t cause a nuisance to other park users – they don’t want your burnt sausage smoke ruining their picnic after all.

Be considerate and have your barbecue away from other groups.

You must take care not to leave the grass scorched and you must throw away rubbish in a bin or take home your litter afterwards. Everyone wants their parks to look nice, after all.

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You also must not just leave your barbecue behind to burn out by itself while you go home – the responsible thing to do would be make sure you put it out completely and take it away with you.

As long as you are respectful and tidy up after yourself afterwards you are welcome to enjoy yourself with a barbecue in one of Croydon’s parks, with the exception of places listed above.

A council spokesman said: “Residents are allowed to have barbecues in Croydon’s parks and open spaces as long as they do not break byelaws around nuisance, litter or anti-social behaviour. If you do plan a barbecue, we advise you to be aware of potential fire hazards, and be considerate to neighbours and other park users.”

Although there are other choices, here are five great parks in Croydon which we think would be great places for a barbecue with family and friends.

1. Lloyd Park, Addiscombe

When the sun comes out Lloyd Park is a great place to relax with family and friends (Image: David Cook)

If somehow you have never been to Lloyd Park before, it is massive at 114 acres so there is no end of space to find good spot for gathering everyone together for a barbecue.

The kids will have plenty of wide open space to run around on and play games and there is lots to do as well.

The playground is ideal for ages from toddlers to young teenagers and includes a zip wire and a crows’ nest to climb right up to.

You could also have a game of disc golf, where you have to get Frisbee-style discs into the nets around the course in as few throws as possible.

There are interesting walks, a pond, skatepark and sports pitches as well as a café if you want an ice cream and toilets.

Where is it? Beside Coombe Road, Croydon. The tram service for the park stops at Lloyd Park.

2. Wandle Park, Waddon

Wandle Park with its bandstand, pond and river is a lovely place to be (Image: David Cook)

This town centre park, which at nearly ten acres is about as big as four sports pitches, is a pretty and tranquil backdrop for any barbecue or picnic.

It is also the holder of a Green Flag Award, which recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces.

After your feast you could stroll along the bank of the River Wandle which flows through it, watch the water trickle under a Victorian bridge as ducks pass by and take a seat by the pond.

You might wander through the rose garden, ornamental garden or community garden.

There’s a great playground with natural play features like boulders, a fallen tree and logs, as well as cradle nest swings, turning tyres, a hexagonal swing, an embankment side, climbing forest and chimes and bongo drums among the fun.

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If you are still hungry, there is a café in the park which has toilets.

There are also lots of events going on at the park and on its bandstand during the year which will keep you entertained during your barbecue. You can find a full programme at www.wandlepark.wordpress.com.

Where is it? The main entrance is off Cornwall Road. There is a car park with three-hours parking. The tram service for the park stops at Wandle Park.

3. Coulsdon Memorial Ground, Marlpit Lane

Coulsdon Memorial Ground is the holder of a green flag award and is easily reached by train (Image: Paul Martyniuk)

Coulsdon Memorial Ground is the holder of a Green Flag Award, too.

Based on the outskirts of Coulsdon town centre, it is easily reached by train to Coulsdon Station, so friends and family from outside the area will be able to get there without a car.

There are children’s playgrounds, a putting green, tennis courts and basketball court.

You can grab an ice cream or a cold drink from the café and there are toilets too.

Where is it? Marlpit Lane. There are car parks off Marlpit Lane and Nineacres Way.

4. Norbury Park

If your kids – or you – are in to BMXing then they will love hanging out here.

In August 2017 the park opened its BMX track, which is the first in Croydon.

The 28.5 acre park also has a children’s playground, games court, playing fields and toilets near the entrance.

In February 2018 Croydon Borough Council revealed proposals to improve six of Croydon Parks, including Norbury Park, and the plans for Norbury Park include two barbecue and picnic areas, as well as a new cricket pitch, ball games area, outdoor gym and ornamental garden.

Where is it? Between Norbury Avenue and Green Lane.

Sanderstead Recreation Ground

You might catch a game of cricket at Sanderstead Recreation Ground (Image: Grant Melton)

If you love watching cricket you might catch a game on the pitch here - just make sure you keep your barbecue well away because you won’t want to put players off with the smoke.

There is lots more to do in this 19.5 acre park which is ideal if you live in the South Croydon and Sanderstead area.

As well as having fun in the exciting playground, kids can also bring their bikes along and ride around the children’s cycle area.

If you need to burn off all those burgers you could head off around the running trails or have a workout at the outdoor gym.